Alabama Football: 5 Best SEC Quarterbacks not named Jalen Hurts
By Ronald Evans
Mississippi State QB Nick Fitzgerald
What experts have stated Fitzgerald is the SEC’s best quarterback in 2017? Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy is one and former Auburn Tiger Cole Cubelic is the other. When asked if he thought Jarrett Stidham would be the best SEC QB in 2017, Cubelic tweeted:
Best SEC QB, Eason will still be best pro prospect. Hurts maybe best QB on best team. All things considered I think Nick Fitzgerald All-SEC https://t.co/T0ACeaVxNZ
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) February 27, 2017
It is hard to argue with endorsements from two guys with deep football knowledge, neither of whom are Bulldog sunshine pumpers. Another big advantage for Fitzgerald is his head coach, Dan Mullin is an acknowledged tutor of quarterbacks. The Clarion-Ledger had this to say about Fitzgerald:
"Dan Mullen has often said that a quarterback progresses the most from Year 1 to Year 2 as a starter"
Dan is neither the first or the last coach to make that statement. It is so often repeated because it is so often true. Nick Fitzgerald accounted for 37 touchdowns in 2016. He scored more rushing touchdowns than any other SEC quarterback. He was also the second-leading rusher in the SEC with 1375 yards.
The only question about Fitzgerald is his passing accuracy. As reported by Saturday Down South:
"Fitzgerald led the SEC in total yards in 2016. His passing game left things to be desired though, one of five SEC quarterbacks to throw double-digit picks."
In the Bulldogs spring game, Fitzgerald threw four interceptions. In 2017, Fitzgerald must improve his accuracy. If he does so, the predictions by McElroy and Cubelic may be correct.